Recap:

What does it really mean to be a follower of Jesus? That is a question I wrestle with often because I do not simply want to say I follow Jesus. I want to follow Him today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life. Following Jesus takes practice, intention, and daily surrender.

Many Americans identify as Christians, but there is still confusion about what Christianity means. Following Jesus is more than being kind, moral, or compassionate. Those are good qualities, but being a good person is not the same as being a disciple. Following Jesus begins when we place our faith in Him and make Him the Lord and King of our lives.

Jesus is the Son of God. He died for our sins, rose from the grave, and made a way for us to be forgiven and restored to God. But believing in Jesus is only the beginning. We must allow His Word to guide us, walk in the power and fruit of the Holy Spirit, live in community with other believers, and use our lives to serve others.

We were never meant to follow Jesus alone. Five years ago, when I lost my wife, Lori, to cancer, I entered one of the darkest seasons of my life. I was angry, hurt, and ready to walk away. The Word gave me a foundation, the Holy Spirit continued to speak to me, and the people around me helped keep me on the path. God restored my heart and blessed me with my wife, Rebecca, and a beautiful family.

Following Jesus also means living a life of ministry. Ministry is not reserved for pastors and missionaries. Every believer has been called and gifted to serve. Sometimes ministry looks like preaching, but sometimes it looks like setting up tables, serving food, encouraging someone, or cooking hundreds of hamburgers for young people with special needs. Ministry happens whenever we use what God has placed in our hands to love and serve others.

Following Jesus can be summarized in three phrases: Be with Jesus. Become like Jesus. Do what Jesus did.

One truth God has used repeatedly in my life is the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord does not mean living terrified of God. It means standing in awe of His holiness, greatness, authority, and power. God is our friend and Father, but He is also our King. Following Him means surrendering our desires, plans, ambitions, and identities to His authority.

When I was fifteen, I realized that although I believed in Jesus, I had not fully surrendered my life to Him. My dad encouraged me to read Scripture, listen for God’s voice, and say each day, “Jesus, I surrender to You.” Soon afterward, God placed missions in my heart and changed the entire direction of my life.

A few years later, while attending missionary training, I began judging other students as they confessed their struggles. One night, God exposed the pride, jealousy, and sin in my own heart. I sat alone and wept, singing, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”

God did not expose my heart to destroy me. He exposed it so He could heal me. He brought conviction, forgiveness, restoration, and a renewed identity. Since then, I have regularly asked God to show me where something else may be taking His place.

We are all being formed by something. Social media, politics, entertainment, success, and culture constantly shape our thoughts and attitudes. If we are not being intentionally formed by Jesus, we will be unintentionally formed by something else.

Jesus did not simply invite people to accept a religious label. He said, “Come, follow Me.” He invited us into a completely new way of living.

So, what does it mean to follow Jesus? It means being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. It means walking in the fear of the Lord and surrendering every part of our lives to Jesus as King.

Every day, we are invited to pray again, “Jesus, I surrender to You. Lead me, change me, and help me follow You.”

Group Questions:

Icebreakers

  1. What is something you have tried to learn that took time and practice?
  2. Who is someone you naturally enjoy following or learning from, and why?
  3. What is one app, show, hobby, or activity that can easily take more of your time than you intended?

Discussion Questions

  1. When people hear the phrase “following Jesus,” what do you think they usually assume it means?
  2. The sermon said, “Being a good person is not the same as being a disciple.” What is the difference?
  3. Which part of following Jesus is most challenging for you right now: spending time with Him, becoming like Him, or doing what He did?
  4. What does it practically look like to make Jesus the King of your life rather than simply one part of it?
  5. The fear of the Lord was described as awe, reverence, and surrender—not terror. How does that understanding change the way you relate to God?
  6. Mark shared how Christian community helped carry him through grief and anger. When have other believers helped keep you grounded in your faith?
  7. What gifts, abilities, or opportunities has God placed in your hands that you could use to serve someone else?
  8. The sermon said, “If we are not being intentionally formed by Jesus, we will be unintentionally formed by something else.” What influences are currently shaping your thoughts, emotions, and priorities?
  9. Is there anything competing with Jesus for first place in your life?
  10. What is one rhythm or practice you could begin this week to help you follow Jesus more intentionally?